The number of English pig abattoirs remained stable in 2016

The long term trend of declining numbers of pig-slaughtering abattoirs in England appears to have stabilised.

Latest figures show that 118 slaughterhouses in England killed pigs in 2016, two more than in 2015 and just six fewer than in 2010. Nevertheless, the number is nearly 70 less than in 2000.

While there was a slight increase in the number of abattoirs in 2016, consolidation of the industry remains evident. Just 12 abattoirs slaughtered over 100,000 head and they accounted for nearly 90% of total throughputs.

The number of specialist pig slaughter houses in England last year remained the same at 14 and included nine of the twelve plants slaughtering over 100,000 head.